The 2021 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a stellar wine. Rich, complex and super-expressive, the C possesses notable depth and textural intensity. The C emerges from a separate property from Les Carmes Haut-Brion itself, located between Smith and Haut Bailly, where the microclimate is warmer. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend in this deeply textured red. The 2021 was done with 25% stems, but the whole clusters are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Gravel, tobacco, incense and scorched earth add layers of dimension as it opens in the glass, while floral notes appear on the finish. Above all, I really admire the persistence here. This spent 24 months in oak—25% in French oak barrels and 75% in 30hL casks. I think this is the sole 2021 that is not in bottle yet! (AG)

Gorgeous strawberry and pink flower, vanilla and raspberry yoghurt accents with touches of blackcurrant leaf - really pretty and perfumed and expressive. Smooth and supple, this has a juicy and joyous expression. Lively summer red berry fruits, straight a touch lean and light, more like a Pinot really, but still with structure and body. Hints of salinity at the finish add to its drinkability. Accessible and drinkable if you like high acidity and bright strawberry fruit. Great balance and harmony, touches of grip by the tannins and a long persistence of flavour despite quite a light, ethereal body overall. Nice graphite and salty wet stone, chalky aspect that lingers. (GH)

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2021 has spent two years in barrel and one year in concrete vat. Hence this is a vat sample that hasn't been bottled yet. It has a deep garnet-purple color and it storms out of the glass with powerful notes of cassis, black cherries, and tar, followed by hints of crushed rocks, bay leaves, and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is bright, lively, and impactful, featuring firm, fine-grained tannins and loads of red and black berry sparks, finishing minerally. It should age very gracefully! (LPB)